References done the right way
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 10:13PM
Melina

Ever since learning that some headhunters search LinkedIn for job candidates, I decided to pull my stockings up and sort out my profile.

After I expanded the resume portion and tossed in some keywords for good measure, I decided to ask some ex-colleagues for recommendations. I'd written a few over the years; now it's time to ask for some payback.

My favorite response was from a married boyfriend from 11 years ago. He lives in California, is a data consultant, and travels about 50% of the time. I edit white papers for him now and then.

Here's what I wrote him (name changed to protect the guilty): 


On 08/06/10 8:44 AM, Melina Reilly wrote:
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Dear Neil,
I know you're busy and hate writing stuff, but I think you could write a recommendation that makes me sound better than I really am.

Neil's response?

If you'll spend the night with me 9/29. I have a layover.

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